Sevilla manager García Pimienta has raised doubts over Akor Adams' availability for the Super Eagles, insisting that the striker must receive medical clearance from the club before being allowed to join the national team.
Newly appointed Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle has named Adams in his 39-man provisional squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, scheduled for March 21 and 25.
The Spanish manager stressed that Adams, who has resumed light training following an injury sustained in training, must regain full fitness and make meaningful contributions to Sevilla before being considered for national team duty.
Pimienta stresses fitness concerns over Adams' Super Eagles call-up
Speaking to the press ahead of Sevilla’s clash with Real Sociedad, Pimienta expressed concerns over Akor Adams' availability for Nigeria’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers, stressing that the striker must be fully fit before joining the national team.
“To go with the national team, I understand that he should first be cleared by Sevilla,” Pimienta stated as reported by Marca.
“If for whatever reason this week, when he is not called up, and next week he is not there, he could not go with the national team because he would not have the competitive clearance, but that depends on the medical services.
“I understand that they will want to call him up, but for that to happen he has to be 100 percent. He should help us first.”
The 24-year-old forward joined Sevilla on January 28 in a €5.5 million transfer from Ligue 1 side Montpellier. He made his debut in a goalless draw against Getafe in La Liga, coming on as an 81st-minute substitute for Saúl Ñíguez.
However, just days before what could have been his second appearance—against Barcelona—Adams sustained an injury during training, sidelining him from the fixture and has been out for a month.
